Questions of Integrity and Competence Confront Village of Hempstead over $2 Million Highway Contract

The Long Island Contractors’ Association (LICA) is confronting the municipal governance of the Village of Hempstead following the actions of Village Hall to award a vital road paving contract in excess of $2 million through a questionable procurement process.

Marc Herbst, LICA’s Executive Director, stated, “After failing to list a paving project on the public agenda for the July meeting that could be worth anywhere from $2 to $4 million dollars, the Village Board added it at the last minute without seeking comment and then quickly approved a pre-selected bid which was $42,000 higher than one submitted by another contractor. In appearance it raises serious questions and in fact, it should compel every taxpayer to ask who is protecting their money.”

Herbst noted, “The covering document presented to village trustees stated there was only one sole bidder. While the courts will review that legality of the decision rendered, it remains clear that the transparency and the ability for the other bidders to be heard in the process is suspect. Ultimately, the public deserves a transparent and informative process.”

Herbst added, “At a time when the Village of Hempstead is seeking economic growth and new investment in the community this type of action creates serious concerns about competence and integrity. The development community and all those who seek a better future in Hempstead Village should be asking the Mayor and the Board for an explanation.”

The road work project includes the replacement of catch basins, the repair of concrete curbing and walkways, laying down new street asphalt, striping and related road improvements in the Village of Hempstead.

LICA, the voice of Long Island’s highway and infrastructure professionals, is comprised of more than 150 member firms, contributing $3.8 billion in economic activity to the Long Island economy. LICA represents the interests of the region’s premier heavy construction general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and industry supporters, focused primarily in the transportation infrastructure construction industry, such as highways, bridges, sewers and other public works. LICA’s member companies play a significant role in the economic vitality of Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Visit www.licanys.org.